About Emmett Stralka
Engineering Student | Technical Innovator | Problem Solver
About Me
Engineering Student & Technical Innovator
Welcome to my technical portfolio! I’m a dedicated engineering student passionate about bridging the gap between innovative technology and practical solutions.
My Journey
Academic Foundation
I’m currently pursuing a dual major in Engineering and Economics at Harvey Mudd College, one of the nation’s premier institutions for science and engineering education. This unique combination allows me to approach technical challenges with both engineering rigor and business acumen.
My coursework spans across multiple disciplines including:
- Microcontrollers and FPGA Design (E155)
- Digital Electronics and Circuit Design
- Product Management and UX/UI Design
- Economic Analysis and Market Strategy
Professional Experience
I’ve had the privilege of gaining hands-on experience through internships at leading companies:
Ford Motor Company
Worked on automotive engineering projects, gaining insight into large-scale manufacturing and product development processes.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Contributed to business strategy and market analysis, understanding the intersection of technology and consumer behavior.
North American Switchgear
Applied technical engineering skills in electrical systems and power distribution, working on critical infrastructure projects.
These diverse experiences have given me a unique perspective on how technical innovation drives business success across different industries.
Technical Projects & Interests
I’m actively involved in several exciting technical domains:
Advanced Rocketry
Working on high-performance rocket systems, focusing on propulsion, guidance, and recovery systems. This combines mechanical engineering, electronics, and systems integration.
Robotics & Automation
Developing autonomous systems and robotic solutions for various applications, from industrial automation to research platforms.
Signal Processing
Exploring digital signal processing techniques for communication systems, sensor data analysis, and real-time processing applications.
These projects allow me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges while developing practical engineering skills.
Athletic Excellence
Beyond academics and engineering, I’m a varsity track and field athlete and SCIAC champion. This experience has taught me invaluable lessons about:
- Discipline: The importance of consistent practice and continuous improvement
- Teamwork: Working collaboratively toward common goals
- Resilience: Overcoming setbacks and pushing beyond perceived limits
- Time Management: Balancing rigorous training with academic excellence
These qualities directly translate to my engineering work, where persistence, collaboration, and attention to detail are essential for success.
E155: Microcontrollers & FPGA Design
Course Overview
This website documents my comprehensive journey through E155: Microcontrollers and FPGA Design at Harvey Mudd College. This course represents a deep dive into embedded systems, digital design, and hardware-software integration.
Throughout this course, I’m developing expertise in:
- FPGA programming and digital circuit design
- Microcontroller architecture and peripheral programming
- Assembly language and low-level programming
- Real-time systems and interrupt-driven programming
- Hardware debugging and testing methodologies
Each lab builds upon previous knowledge, creating a comprehensive understanding of modern embedded systems design.
My Approach to Engineering
Problem-Solving Philosophy
I believe in a systematic approach to engineering challenges:
1. Understanding the Problem
Thoroughly analyzing requirements, constraints, and stakeholder needs before jumping to solutions.
2. Research & Analysis
Investigating existing solutions, best practices, and emerging technologies that could inform the design.
3. Iterative Design
Building prototypes, testing assumptions, and refining solutions based on real-world feedback.
4. Documentation & Communication
Clearly documenting decisions, processes, and outcomes to enable knowledge sharing and future improvements.
Connect With Me
Let’s Collaborate
I’m always excited to connect with fellow engineers, researchers, and innovators. Whether you’re interested in:
- Technical collaboration on embedded systems projects
- Discussing engineering education and career development
- Exploring opportunities in product management or technical leadership
- Sharing insights about the intersection of engineering and business